Big Third Period Gives Americans 4-1 Victory over Hitmen

Calgary, AB – The Tri-City Americans (25-21-2-3, 55 pts.) fell behind early in the third period, but the team stormed back, scoring four unanswered goals to defeat the Calgary Hitmen (31-13-3-3, 68 pts.) 4-1 at the Scotia Bank Saddledome on Wednesday night.

***DON'T FORGET YOUR COUPON FOR TWO FREE TACOS, COURTESY OF JACK IN THE BOX. CHECK BACK AFTER EVERY AMERICANS' ROAD WIN THIS SEASON FOR ANOTHER COUPON, THANKS TO MID-COLUMBIA AREA JACK IN THE BOX LOCATIONS.***

Tri-City has now earned points in each of its last six games, picking up victories in five of those contests. With 55 points, the Americans are just three shy of both the Vancouver Giants (25-19-5-3, 58 pts.) and Everett Silvertips (25-18-7-1, 58 pts.) for the sixth and seventh spot in the Western Conference.

Eric Comrie made his 43rd start of the season, stopping 39 of Calgary’s 40 shots on the night, while holding a potent Calgary offense to just one goal. It was the eighth time in Comrie’s last ten games that he has held his opponent to a goal or less.

The Americans controlled the play early in the game, outshooting Calgary through the first 10 minutes of the opening period. The Hitmen turned momentum in its favor during Tri-City’s first power play, registering multiple shorthanded scoring opportunities. But, Comrie managed to fend off a late period push from the Hitmen.

Despite 2:20 of power play time in the first three minutes of the second period, it wasn’t until the eight minute mark that the Americans registered its first shot of the middle frame. Tri-City generated a few quality scoring chances on Mack Shields in the late stages of the middle frame, but were unable to beat the Calgary net minder.

The Americans were outshot 28-15 through 40 minutes of play, but the score remained scoreless heading into the third period of play. The Hitmen opened the scoring 1:24 into the third period, when Kenton Helgeson sent in Greg Chase alone on Comrie, back handing the puck past the Edmonton-native to give the Hitmen a 1-0 lead.

But, 2:40 later, the Americans would strike back behind Brian Williams' 30th goal of the season. The 19-year-old forward narrowly missed on a 2-on-1, but hustled to keep the play alive, skating the puck out of the corner and snapping it past Shields to tie the game at one.

Braden Purtill put the Americans ahead at the 11:34 mark of the third period, finding the puck in a scramble in front of Shields and sliding it into the Calgary net, giving Tri-City a 2-1 lead. Then, at 16:46 and after Phil Tot forced a turnover, Ty Comrie added an insurance marker with his third goal of the season.

Trailing 3-1, the Hitmen threatened to score in the late stages of the game, but were unable to beat Comrie again. Finally, with 40 seconds remaining, Brian Williams iced the game for the Americans with an empty net goal.

The Americans continue its Alberta road trip with a game against the Edmonton Oil Kings (35-13-0-1, 71 pts.) Friday night at Rexall Place. Fans can catch the action live, via WHL Live, at the Americans’ official home away from home, Kimo’s in Richland. The game can also be seen regionally on ROOT Sports, starting at 6:00pm (PST).

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) cares about your privacy. Thank you for your interest in our network of websites, newsletters, and other services. We believe in fully disclosing the methods to which we collect and use your personal information. We also invite you to ask us about our policies or feel free to let us know how we can better serve your privacy concerns.